episode

noun

ˈe-pə-ˌsōd How to pronounce episode (audio)
Definition of episodenext
as in event
something that happens I'm trying to forget the whole embarrassing episode

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word episode distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of episode are circumstance, event, incident, and occurrence. While all these words mean "something that happens or takes place," episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident.

a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work

When might circumstance be a better fit than episode?

The words circumstance and episode can be used in similar contexts, but circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background.

couldn't recall the exact circumstances

When can event be used instead of episode?

The meanings of event and episode largely overlap; however, event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

the events following the assassination

When could incident be used to replace episode?

The words incident and episode are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance.

a minor wartime incident

Where would occurrence be a reasonable alternative to episode?

While in some cases nearly identical to episode, occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan.

an encounter that was a chance occurrence

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of episode On the April 13 episode of The Baldwins, the actor, 67, is home with wife Hilaria Baldwin and the couple are trying yoga together. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 The British series ran from 1971 through 1975, encompassing 68 episodes. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025 How to Watch The Last of Us Season 2: Premiere Date, Episode Release Schedule The Last of Us season two spans seven episodes, with the first premiering on Sunday, April 13, at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. —Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2025 The game tasks players with caring for an artificially intelligent horde of digital critters whose influence on Cameron becomes all too powerful ahead of the episode's twist ending. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episode
Recent Examples of Synonyms for episode
  1. event
  2. incident
  3. thing
  4. circumstance
Noun
  • Wednesday will mark 100 years since the first passenger train arrived at the Boise Depot, and the city is celebrating the landmark with four days of events.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The reporter on this story received access to this event from MSC Cruises.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of event
Noun
  • None of the country’s three top circuits have issued any warnings, and one top exhibitor says the vast majority of its showings have been without a major incident.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • According to the news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon, April 8, after California Highway Patrol requested backup in locating three misdemeanor hit-and-run suspects who fled into a residential neighborhood of Eagle Rock in Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of incident
Noun
  • And also, thinking about thousands of others going through the same thing.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thing
Noun
  • Although Obama’s circumstances as wife to a president are certainly extraordinary, her comments immediately resonated with women across the country because of their universality.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Mind you, this form of optimism isn’t about slapping a smiley face on dire circumstances and forging ahead.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of circumstance

Browse Nearby Words

episcopates
episode
episodes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episode. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on episode

Nglish: Translation of episode for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about episode

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